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Independent, neutral, impartial

Hans-Juergen Burkard

It is easy to write inspiring words to define an organisation’s mission – it is much harder to put those principles in to practice. At the core of Médecins Sans Frontières’ identity is a commitment to independence, neutrality and impartiality. These ideals have driven every aspect of our work – from medical care and logistics to finance and communications – since Médecins Sans Frontières was established in 1971.

Our commitment to these principles, and the impact of the organisation built on them, was recognised in 1999 when Médecins Sans Frontières was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Impartial

We provide free medical care to people who need it. It doesn’t matter which country they are from, which religion they belong to, or what their political affiliations are. All that matters is they are human beings in need.

Neutral

In a conflict situation, we don’t take sides, but go where people’s medical needs are greatest. In the ward of one Médecins Sans Frontières field hospital, you might find wounded civilians alongside injured soldiers from opposing sides. Hostilities and weapons have to be left at the gate.

Independent

We rarely take funds from governments, businesses or institutions for our work, but rely mainly on the generosity of individual members of the public. Over 90 percent of our income comes from private donors giving small amounts. Médecins Sans Frontières Australia does not accept any funding from the Australian government.

This means that when there is an emergency, we don’t need to wait for official funds to be released or for the media to generate interest; we can act fast to save people’s lives based on need alone.

Our financial independence also means the aid we provide cannot be used to further any government’s political or military goals.

Acceptance

Wherever we are working, we make sure that local people understand that Médecins Sans Frontières is politically neutral and will provide assistance to anyone who needs it. We run radio campaigns and hold meetings with everyone from government ministers to local warlords, community elders to women’s groups.

Gaining their acceptance is key to our being able to work in difficult environments such as Afghanistan or Democratic Republic of Congo.

Improvement

Médecins Sans Frontières is an outspoken organisation – we expect and demand high standards from ourselves and other organisations. We speak out if we think other humanitarian organisations are being dishonest, compromised or slow to react. But we also examine and critique our own performance.

In 2012 we published Humanitarian Negotiations Revealed. This book examines the reality of the compromises Médecins Sans Frontières made – some successfully and some less so – to try and help the people suffering most in the world today.

Case studies from recent conflicts such as Yemen, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan lay bare the reality of Médecins Sans Frontières’ efforts to reach the most affected people, and explore just what the limits of compromise should be.

There are also essays exploring broader issues, such as the real usefulness of aid responses to natural disasters.

Nobel peace prize

In 1999 Médecins Sans Frontières was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its pioneering humanitarian work around the world.